Jane D. Ellison Bay
Jerry & Team,
Thanks for all your help – GREAT TIMING!!
Jane D. Ellison Bay,
Door County
Vinyl Bunks – A Better Value
Vinyl Bunks Are A Better Value.
Vinyl bunks are a much better value than carpeted bunks. You bought your boat to enjoy yourself – not replace worn-out carpeting on the weekend.
Many boat and PWC lifts utilize carpeted bunks to support the vessel. These are an economical option and provide sufficient support for your boat or PWC (personal watercraft).
Vinyl Bunks
However, over time, the carpet on wood bunks becomes worn or frayed. This situation can create contact between the hull of the boat and the raw wood. Besides, sand and debris could be lodged in the carpet fabric. The sand will grind against the hull of the watercraft. It goes without saying this is not a condition you want. Any loose or frayed carpet should be replaced to prevent potential trip hazards too.
Do your carpeted boat bunks need replacement again this year? Vinyl bunks never require replacement.
Vinyl boat bunks may cost more than carpeted bunks initially but they are a better value over time.
When should the bunks be inspected?
Spring & Fall are excellent times to inspect the wood structure of the carpeted wood bunks. Wood, being a natural material, can become warped, cracked, or rotten. If you find any soft spots or warping of the wood material, replace the bunk before using it.
For more information on checking & servicing your lift, see https://wisconsinpws.com/lift-cable-maintenance/
Perhaps you’ve purchased a new PWC or boat and want the best bunk for your new purchase, consider ShoreMaster vinyl boat bunks.
Vinyl boat bunks have a strong history.
ShoreMaster has used vinyl boat bunks for boats, PWC’s and pontoons for decades. The vinyl bunks will save you money in the long run because the aluminum channel will never rot or warp like wood. Plus, the vinyl never requires replacement like carpeting does. You’ll also save money and frustration because the vinyl material is less prone to wear than carpet,
Put simply; vinyl boat bunks are far more durable than carpeted bunks. The vinyl material used on ShoreMaster‘s vinyl boat bunks does not promote the adhesion of sand, and debris like carpet can, which means your boat or PWC will stay cleaner, longer.
What about Vinyl boat bunks vs. Cradles?
Full-length vinyl boat bunks offer greater support than cradles. A much longer area is supported. The weight of your watercraft is distributed along the bunk’s length to prevent pressure points where your hull contacts the supports. When you have a choice between cradles, carpeted bunks, and vinyl bunks, you are better off in the long run with the vinyl boat bunks. When it comes to the total cost of ownership and resale value, vinyl boat bunks are the best value.
Vinyl boat bunks are available for all ShoreMaster boat lifts. If you are considering repairing a set of carpeted wood bunks, it may be wise to upgrade to vinyl bunks once and for all.
Always Remember:
Pier & Waterfront Solutions (PWS) specializes in all ShoreMaster accessories for docks and lifts. We are located in the center of Door County at 7325 St Hwy 57 south of Sturgeon Bay at the intersection of Idlewild Road. Our staff looks forward to serving all of your waterfront needs.
In Conclusion
The continued introduction of refinements keeps Shoremaster at the top of the best-in-class list.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email a link to this article – and Thank you!
You can visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook also.
Don’t Forget – PWS is the expert when you have a waterfront question!
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “open.”
While all this is going on, we are working to maintain the trusted service you expect. That’s important to us.
We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. Site visits will continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.
Call, message, or use this simple request form to get answers and quotes.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you – safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
What’s new in boat lift winches? Updated
What’s new in boat lift winches? Updated
The Whisper winch from ShoreMaster was a significant improvement over other boat lift brand winches in 2018. ShoreMaster continues to be the leader in the Marine industry.
Most boaters were annoyed by the clanking noise generated when they turned the large wheel on their boat lift. That noise disappeared after the introduction of the Whisper winch in 2018.
Then, in 2019, they introduced another refinement – the Whisper Winch II.
This new winch gave you extended cable life by introducing a more substantial diameter drum. Why is this important? Having a 50% increase in winch diameter means there is less internal stress on the cable strands as they wrap around the drum.
The larger drum diameter, in turn, reduced internal chafing in the cable significantly. An added advantage is the galvanizing on the winch cable strands lasts longer.
Typical Cable Stacking
What is cable stacking?
Today, there has been another improvement. The winch drum now has grooves cut into it to guide the cable smoothly around the drum. Cable “stacking” is virtually eliminated.
Without cable “stacking,” the life expectancy of the cable increases. It also means fewer cable “shocks” and abrasion. By “shocks,” we are not referring to an electrical shock.
When a cable begins to stack up along the edges of the drum, it will climb two or more levels. At that point, the cable will slip off the stack, and the boat falls about 1/4 to ½” in an instant. The “falling” results in a thunderous noise which “shocks” the person operating the winch. That doesn’t seem like much movement, but that 1/4″ – ½” can mean a broken cable if it is weak.
The “shock” is dangerous for the cable if the cable is in a weakened state. The cable is free to move, and then all the weight of the falling boat is suddenly applied.
Picture a moving car hitting an immovable object. The “shock” is similar to hitting an unmovable object with a moving one-ton object.
My boat lift cable broke…and I can’t get ….
One moment the boat is free to fall (albeit a short distance), and in the next moment, it snaps to a complete halt. All the pressure is on the cable at that point. Any weaknesses in the cable (rust, broken strands, frayed wires) could mean your boat will end up in the water and not necessarily floating.
With further testing, they realized that the main lifting cable could be changed back to stainless steel on the larger boat lifts. Now, ALL of the cables are stainless steel again.
BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!
There is still one more advantage to the Whisper winch II. In the past, two bolts mounted the winch to the leg post. The bolts meant that if you added a canopy later, the winch must be entirely removed.
Today, the winch clamps in a sleeve that fits snugly around the leg. There is a significant reduction of install time as a result. The clamp also ensures the winch is correctly installed. It can not be misaligned. Misalignment of the winch was easy to do with the winch bolted to the leg. These same bolts contributed to cable stacking also.
In Conclusion
The continued introduction fo these refinements keeps Shoremaster at the top of the best-in-class list.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email a link to this article – and Thank you!
You can visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook also.
Don’t Forget – PWS is the expert when you have a waterfront problem!
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, we are about 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look for the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “open.”
While all this is going on, we are working to maintain the trusted service you expect. That’s important to us.
We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. Site visits will continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.
Call, message, or use this simple request form to get answers and quotes.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you – safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
Lightning & Boating Don’t Mix
Lightning & Boating don’t mix.
Lightning and Boating don’t mix. Spring and Fall bring the strongest storms of the year.
Do you have the proper PFD (personal floatation device)? How about boaters’ insurance? In the middle of a storm is NOT the time to think about these things.
Boat safety should be an ingrained part of any boating excursion, long or short.
Before you head out for a cruise, check the current weather and the predictions. Most smartphones allow you to see the weather at a moment’s notice. Be sure to check it frequently.
Lightning
Suppose you are caught by surprise while on the water, head back home immediately. If the storm is between you and your home or a marina, head for another protected area onshore. You do know where they are because you studied a map before you left – Right!!
What Lightning Does to Boats and Boaters
You’re floating on a body of water in a boat. You notice the dark clouds approaching. What do you do?
First, get PFD (life preservers) on everyone.
Next, Remember, lightning strikes the tallest point on a boat (the lighting rod). As you stand in your boat – where is that lightning going to hit?
Most boats contain large amounts of metal and other conductive materials, making them an excellent target for lightning.
With a sailboat, the tallest point would be the mast. But with a bass boat, this could be the fishing chair or YOU sitting in it! No boat is immune. You don’t have to be a genius to figure out that water, wiring, and lightning do not mix well!
Smaller boats are subject to extensive damage because there are fewer places for the lightning to go. They’re also more dangerous for the passengers during an electrical storm.
Lightning can completely wipe out a boat’s electrical system and destroy the engine. It can blow holes in the hull, which causes the boat to take on water. Sinking is not out of the realm of possibilities.
Isn’t a boat Lightning-Proof?
Unlike a car, a boat does not have four rubber wheels insulating it from “ground.” Boats are potential targets whenever they are on the water.
Lightning always takes the shortest path to “ground.” On the water, “ground” is the water’s surface. The tallest object on a boat that contains metal or any conductive materials (like your body) will serve as a lightning rod.
There’s no way to predict where it will go. On larger boats, a bonding system can send the strike via a conductor to an underwater metal plate, usually constructed of copper or some other non-corrosive metal.
A bonding system uses arrestors to protect electronic equipment while providing a safe path for the lightning strike.
Caught in a Thunderstorm – what now?
If you’re in a thunderstorm out on the water, seek shelter in your boat’s cabin, if it has one. Remember, you might be the highest, conductive point that lightning sees.
If the vessel doesn’t have any shelter, remain as low as possible. Find the lowest part of the boat and try to get into the center of the boat. Don’t touch ANY metal or electronic components. Don’t be the lightning rod.
Make sure everyone on board puts on a life jacket. Here’s an excellent article to read about PFD written for kayakers, but it applies to all boating situations.
Next, decrease the speed of the boat. Don’t forget to unplug any electrical appliances or devices.
Remember, you can’t have thunder without lighting, even if you don’t see it.
Remember, boats can also be struck by lightning while docked. Leave the boat and take shelter (Not under a tree).
Will MY Boat Insurance Cover Lightning Damage?
Boat insurance should cover a boat damaged by lightning. Insurance usually covers damages done by fire, theft, lightning, wind, vandalism, and other events.
Call your licensed agent and go over your list of options and the cost of each. It’s better to be slightly “over-insured” than not to have enough coverage. A few extra dollars a month in insurance premiums could make a big difference in your coverage.
The most expensive boat insurance on the market might not necessarily be the best.
In Conclusion
In the event of a storm, get off the water, and stay as low as you can.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them a link to this article – and Thank you!
You can visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook also.
Don’t Forget – PWS is the expert when you have a waterfront problem!
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, we are about 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look for the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. As of Aug 1st, Wisconsin mandates the use of face masks. It’s the only known method to control the spread at this time.
While all this is going on, we are working to maintain the trusted service you expect. That’s important to us.
We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. Site visits will continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.
Call, message, or use this simple request form to get answers and quotes.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you – safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
RipRap & Sea Walls – Pros and Cons
RipRap & Sea Walls – Pros and Cons
Living on a body of water can be a great experience. Those experiences include fishing, boating, or just enjoying the natural beauty of the area. It’s the ideal way to escape the heat and congestion of the city. Plus, how can you beat the sunsets?
At the same time, living on the water also means you are vulnerable to nature and all she can throw at you – including erosion.
In recent years erosion has become the most significant problem waterfront property owners have experienced. Record-setting water levels and more destructive storms are projected to continue for years.
Along with the high waters and intense storms has come – EROSION!!!
How has it affected the beachfront?
High water has affected everyone’s beachfront, and this, in turn, affects your property values. The intensity of the storms has increased along with the high water. It is not uncommon to see sand beaches disappear, trees wash out, walls collapse, and the water encroaching on lawns. Many people have lost entire beaches, and the water is right up against the grass. Even the daily wave action destroys your beachfront.
This summer alone, we have seen hillsides sliding down due to ground saturation and base erosion. Stairways are being destroyed, and beaches are disappearing due to the high water and wave action.
How do you prevent erosion?
There are two ways to protect property from waves – Seawalls and riprap.
Of the two methods, seawalls are the more expensive method. Many times, due to the underlying solid rock, a seawall is not an option.
As an alternative, riprap becomes your best solution to protect your shoreline.
Tree roots and erosion
Erosion happens when waves move along the beach. The constant movement begins to remove smaller pieces of the beach and washes them away. Without these small pieces packed on the beach holding the larger stones in place, the larger pieces begin to move, and eventually, they too are washed away.
Vegetation, lawns, and tree roots are undermined. Once the soil is gone, nothing is stopping the erosion, and the tree will fall over.
Wave action contains a lot of energy. For example, try standing against the waves during a strong wind on the shoreline when the waves break. Be prepared to get knocked over. The energy in the waves will exceed what you can resist.
Riprap breaks up that energy by providing numerous cavities for the water. The more holes, the better. Every time the water enters one of those cavities, the wave losses some of its energy. With hundreds of “cavities” breaking up the wave, the destruction is eliminated or substantially reduced.
A properly installed riprap “wall” dissipates the energy and does not allow for removal of the small parts that start the whole cycle.
Does RipRap work?
Check out this YouTube video. Watch closely at 40 seconds and in particular, stop around 2:25 minutes.
The house on the right has a seawall. Note the waves are splashing back from the wall and note the “turmoil” in the sand.
To the left of the same house is riprap. When you put the video in motion, you will see the white breaking waves dissipate into the riprap like it’s supposed to with no “turmoil” in the sand.
Still further left, you see unprotected property erosion.
Finally, you get to a house protected by riprap. Does riprap work? You be the judge.
What DOESN’T RipRap prevent?
Riprap will not prevent flooding or ice flows.
Some argue that a seawall is the only way to stop an ice flow. It’s time to reconsider that idea.
Ice vs deck
A seawall protected this property. The ice piled up against the wall and stopped. Great!
But then, more ice came in and worked its way over the first layer at the wall. But it didn’t stop there. The ice continued to pile up until it went OVER the wall and across about 50 feet of lawn and started this destruction.
Would riprap have changed things? Probably not! The difference is – You would have spent less money for the same result.
What’s the life expectancy of riprap and seawalls?
Seawalls typically last an average of 30-35 years. However, the use of galvanized metals means they will usually last a few years longer.
Riprap usually outlasts their steel counterparts. Given the proper attention and maintenance, both of these seawalls should last a “lifetime.”
Riprap acts as an energy dissipator, which means the openings in the rock absorb the energy from the waves. (See the Youtube video above.) Seawalls deflect the waves to prevent erosion. Riprap absorbs and spreads the energy in an array of voids and openings. The wave energy dissipates when the waves enter the voids in the rock.
Enhancement of Property
Unlike steel, aluminum, wood, or vinyl seawalls, riprap blends into the environment around it. It becomes part of it. The organic material meshes with the surrounding area.
When it comes time to assess your property values, it will play a significant role. Your property will be measured based on its overall appearance, and the natural look from rip rap adds to it.
Riprap acts as a natural barrier between your property and the waves. Even though it is protecting the shoreline, it may protect your home as well.
Easy to Maintain
The natural appeal and design of rip rap also offer an easier way to preserve the seawall. Where steel can rust, wood can rot, and vinyl can warp and deform, riprap only needs occasional maintenance.
After a massive storm or sudden change in hazardous weather conditions, such as snow and ice storms, you need to check on the riprap. Sometimes, a few of the rocks will be displaced. If they are, you simply need to re-arrange them to maintain the seawall’s integrity. No heavy equipment needed.
Furthermore, because the rocks are placed randomly, it makes replacing them that much easier.
If steel rusts, it means a bigger section will have to be dug out and replaced through cutting and welding.
Wood rot can lead to termites infesting the entire seawall.
But with riprap, a quick change of a few rocks will keep your property safe!
However, a seawall’s makeup isn’t the only factor determining its longevity.
Pros of a Riprap Retaining Wall
Here is why a riprap “wall” works well for those who live on a body of water.
- Riprap Walls Protect Against Erosion
The rocks used in a riprap design absorb the flow and motion of water. Reduce the movement against your shoreline, and the shoreline will not break down.
2. RipRap is Easy to Maintain
An essential aspect of owning a seawall is proper upkeep. Maintenance of a riprap design requires an annual inspection. If you check the riprap rocks for rock movement at least once a year, then the seawall should stand the test of time. It is a good idea to check on the rocks after major storms or weather-related incidents.
Replacement of the rocks is also easy. Because they are individually placed, when one stone starts to wear down, you only have to relocate that one. There’s no welding or digging involved.
3. RipRap is Eco-Friendly
The natural exterior of riprap also promotes eco-friendliness.
The rock placement protects vegetation. Plants can grow in between the rocks for a more natural look.
4. RipRap Lasts for A Long Time
If you keep up on the annual maintenance of your riprap rock wall, it will work for a lifetime. Riprap is durable and long-lasting. That means that while proper upkeep is essential, you can rest knowing that your riprap seawall has a lifespan of decades.
5. RipRap Enhances Property
Because it is more natural-looking than a steel seawall, riprap blends into the environment. The individual rocks give off a natural look that improves the aesthetic beauty of your property and home.
6. It also has the benefit of increasing property value by protecting your shoreline. Therefore, the investment of putting in a riprap retaining wall will pay off if you ever decide to sell your home.
Cons of a Riprap Retaining Wall
While riprap seawalls offer several fantastic benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind.
- Rip-Rap is An Investment
If the damage is minor, it can be fixed relatively easily with basic tools. Some issues are more severe and require more than just routine maintenance.
For example, if your steel seawall is sagging, dipping, or bowing outward, then there’s a good chance you need serious repair work, if not replacement.
And if you see indentations, pits, or holes forming near the seawall, then a breach in the wall may be allowing the soil to drain through. In this case, the wall would require significant repairs.
2. Rip-Rap Depends on Your Location
It might turn out that riprap isn’t the best seawall for you merely because of where you live. Riprap is most effective in areas with high-velocity waters. If you live on a calmer body of water, a different seawall might be the one you want.
Do You Need Help Picking the Perfect Seawall?
Protecting your home and property from erosion and flooding is a necessity. You want your seawall to stand up to these harmful elements. That means you want it installed correctly. So, why not let the professionals do it for you?
In Conclusion
Contact PIER & WATERFRONT SOLUTIONS TODAY! Contact Dave @ 920-905-2588 or use this simple quote request FORM.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Have friends or neighbors you believe should see this article? Email them this article – and Thank you!
You can visit Pier & Waterfront Solutions on Facebook also.
Don’t Forget – PWS is the expert when you have a waterfront problem!
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Located at 7325 St. Hwy 57, we are about 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay, and 1 mile past the intersection of Cty MM (heading north). Look for the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions has remained “open.” We have implemented measures to ensure the safety of our employees and visitors. As of Aug 1st, Wisconsin mandates the use of face masks. It’s the only known method to control the spread at this time.
While all this is going on, we are working to maintain the trusted service you expect. That’s important to us.
We are conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone. Site visits will continue as usual. When in-person contacts are necessary, we follow “social distancing” guidelines as closely as possible.
Call, message, or use this simple request form to get answers and quotes.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you – safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
